"Full many a hundred pound I had
In goods and livings in the land,
Yet I have lands us to maintain,
So much your grace doth understand.
"My lands and livings so well known
Unto your books of majesty,
Amount to twelvescore pounds a week,
Besides what I do give," quoth she.
"In gallant Derbyshire likewise,
I ninescore beadsmen maintain there,
With hats and gowns and house-rent free,
And every man five marks a year.
"I never raised rent," said she,
"Nor yet oppress'd the tenant poor,
I never did take bribes for fines,
For why, I had enough before.
"Whom of your nobles will do so,
For to maintain the commonalty?
Such multitudes would never grow,
Nor be such store of poverty.
"I would I had a milk-maid been,
Or born of some more low degree,
Then I might have lov'd where I liked,
And no man could have hinder'd me.
"Or would I were some yeoman's child,
For to receive my portion now,
According unto my degree,
As other virgins whom I know.
"The highest branch that soars aloft,
Needs must beshade the myrtle-tree,
Needs must the shadow of them both,
Shadow the third in his degree.
"But when the tree is cut and gone,
And from the ground is bore away,
The lowest tree that there doth stand,
In time may grow as high as they.
"Once too I might have been a queen,
But that I ever did deny,
I knew your grace had right to th' crown,
Before Elizabeth did die.